Renting a car in Japan is worth considering if your itinerary includes rural areas, countryside onsen towns, or regions with limited train service. Hokkaido, the Izu Peninsula, rural Kyushu, Shikoku, Okinawa, and the San'in Coast all reward having your own wheels. Japanese roads are immaculately maintained, drivers are courteous, and rental cars come equipped with GPS navigation that works flawlessly even in the most remote areas.

This guide covers the legal requirements, costs, driving tips, and strategic advice on when renting a car makes sense versus when trains are the better option.

Do You Need a Car?

When to Rent vs When to Skip
🚗 Rent a Car
Rural Hokkaido, where public transit is sparse and distances vast
Okinawa islands, where a car is essentially required
Kyushu countryside: onsen towns, volcanoes, rural coast
Shikoku island: pilgrimage route, hidden valleys
Day trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations from a base city
Traveling with young children and heavy luggage
🚃 Skip the Car
Tokyo, where traffic, parking, and navigation are a nightmare
Osaka and Kyoto, where excellent public transit covers everything
Shinkansen corridor (Tokyo-Osaka-Hiroshima), where trains are faster
First-time visitors doing major cities only
Anyone uncomfortable driving on the left side
Budget-conscious travelers (tolls and parking add up fast)
The sweet spot: use trains for intercity travel, then rent a car for 2-3 days to explore a rural area. Most rental agencies at train stations make this pick-up/drop-off approach seamless.

Legal Requirements

⚠️ International Driving Permit Required

You MUST obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country BEFORE arriving in Japan. Japan only accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP format, not the 1968 Vienna Convention version. US, UK, Australian, and Canadian drivers can get one from their automobile association (AAA, AA, etc.). France, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium have bilateral agreements allowing their domestic licenses with a certified Japanese translation. Do NOT attempt to rent without proper documentation, as agencies will refuse.

Rental Costs and Budget

🚗 Car Rental Costs (2026)
Compact car (Yaris, Fit) per day
¥5,000-8,000
$33-53
Standard car (Corolla) per day
¥7,000-12,000
$46-80
SUV / Minivan per day
¥10,000-18,000
$66-120
Kei car (ultra-compact) per day
¥3,500-6,000
$23-40
Expressway toll: Tokyo → Osaka
¥8,000-11,000
$53-73
Expressway Pass (TEP, 7 days)
¥8,000-22,000
$53-145
Gasoline per liter
¥170-180
$1.10-1.20
City parking per hour
¥300-1,500
$2-10

How to Rent a Car

🚗 Renting Step by Step
1
Book online in advance

Major agencies: Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Times Car Rental, Orix, Budget. English-language booking available at tocoo.jp (aggregator) or directly on agency websites. Book at least 1 week ahead, especially in Hokkaido summer and Okinawa holidays.

2
Pick up at a station branch

Most agencies have branches at or near major JR stations and airports. Staff handle paperwork in English at larger locations. Bring your passport, IDP (or license + Japanese translation), and credit card.

3
Set up the GPS

All rental cars include GPS navigation. Switch to English on startup. Enter destinations by phone number (most accurate) or map code. The GPS provides audio turn-by-turn directions and shows expressway exits and tolls.

4
Get an ETC card

Request an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card with your rental. It lets you pass through expressway toll gates without stopping. Usually ¥300-500 per day rental fee. Without ETC, you must stop at every toll booth and pay cash.

5
Return with a full tank

Fill up at the nearest gas station before returning. Gas stations near rental locations know the drill. Choose "regular" (レギュラー) gasoline. Full-service and self-service stations both exist; at full-service, just stay in the car.

Driving Rules and Tips

✅ Japan Driving Rules
Drive on the LEFT side of the road, with extra caution at intersections
Speed limits: 40-60 km/h regular roads, 80-100 km/h expressways
Follow the GPS, as Japanese roads are well-signed but kanji-heavy
Use expressway rest areas (SA/PA) for food, fuel, and restrooms, as they are excellent
Return the car with a full tank to avoid expensive refueling charges
Use the ETC card for seamless toll gate passage
❌ Don't
ZERO tolerance for alcohol: the legal limit is 0.03%, effectively zero drinks
Don't use your phone while driving, as heavy fines and point penalties apply
Don't park illegally in cities, as enforcement is strict and towing is common
Don't drive in Tokyo or central Osaka unless absolutely necessary
Don't underestimate mountain roads, which are narrow, winding, and sometimes one-lane
Don't ignore winter driving requirements in Hokkaido (snow tires mandatory Nov-Apr)

Best Regions for Driving

🏔️
Hokkaido
Wide open roads, stunning scenery, minimal traffic outside Sapporo. Distances are huge, and Sapporo to Furano alone is 2.5 hours. A car unlocks lavender fields, remote onsen, and dramatic coastal drives. Essential for exploring.
Important
🌊
Okinawa
Car is practically required. The island chain has limited buses. Drive along coastal roads to hidden beaches, snorkeling spots, and American Village. Affordable car rental (kei cars from ¥3,000/day).
Important
🌋
Kyushu Countryside
Aso volcano rim drive, Beppu hot spring hells, and Takachiho Gorge all need a car. Base in a rural onsen town and explore the volcanic landscape at your own pace.
Be Aware
🏯
San'in Coast / Rural Honshu
The Japan Sea coast between Tottori and Shimane is spectacularly beautiful and train-poor. Sand dunes, hidden shrines, and empty beaches reward adventurous drivers.
Nice Touch

Car Rental FAQ

Is driving in Japan difficult? +
How expensive are highway tolls? +
Do I need winter tires in Hokkaido? +
Can I drop off the car at a different location? +
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